Executive Director of Athens Main Street retires after 8 years

Athens Main Street announced on Tuesday, October 13, that its longtime Executive Director Tere Richardson has retired after more than 8 years with the nonprofit.

Richardson ran point on projects like the transformation of Athens Farmers Market and Merchants Alley, which have both been huge for the city.

During her tenure, downtown Athens recorded nearly $32 million in private investment and about $2.1 million in public investment, as well as seeing a net gain of 26 businesses that have created 143 jobs.

“Serving Athens Main Street and our downtown community has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life… I leave knowing Athens Main Street is stronger than it was eight and a half years ago, and I am incredibly proud to have helped build that foundation for its future.”

_{Tere Richardson, former executive director of Athens Main Street}

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What did Tere Richardson do at Athens Main Street?

Richardson joined the organization in June of 2018, and since then has played a vital role in revitalizing downtown Athens. Check out some of the major projects she was a part of:

• Development of Merchants Alley
• Transformation of Athens Farmers Market
• Creation of Doug Gates Park
• Establishment of The Square Arts and Entertainment District
• Development of a distinct Five Points District

Projects like these, as well as countless other smaller initiatives taken on by Tere Richardson and Athens Main Street, are why the city was mentioned by WorldAtlas as having one of the most charming town squares and being one of Alabama’s best small towns to visit.

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